Guys,
I go off with the family to get a Christmas tree and the thread grows by 2 pages with debates from across the world. If we had a big block vs. small block battle, the thread would be complete
It was great to get a tree tonight. Wandering through the smell of fir trees and brushing their needles with my hand transported me back to my younger days when I was a councilor with the Boy Scouts. There I explored countless miles of seldom walked trails in Yellowstone and Teton National Parks--perhaps the most beautiful places on earth. I have led more groups than I can remember through that back country among the lodge pole pines and alpine firs.
Being there tonight with my twin boys reminded me of a lofty goal on my bucket list--to climb the Middle Teton with my boys. We will complete that goal this summer. I was a 14 year old Boy Scout when when I first summited the Middle Teton with some of the other Camp Councilors. I have summited the Middle Teton seven times and the Grand Teton once. That really is why I started this thread in the first place. I built the gym at the shop to get back in shape so I could climb the Middle Teton again with my kids. They are growing up so fast. I want to show them the world from the peak. It is the most beautiful place on earth. When you climb a mountain, you are locked in a battle with yourself. Only you can bring yourself to the peak. No one can carry you. To conquer a peak, you have to conquer yourself.
This past summer we climbed Mt. Timpanogos together. For those of you who have been here in Provo, it is the majestic mountain the dominates our valley. Later, our family got within 1000 feet of the summit of Mt. Nebo as well, but had to turn back. Just last week we climbed the "Y" in a new record (for us). We've been training for this for a long time now.
The Grand Teton, at 13,775 feet, is the tallest mountain in this photo. The Middle Teton is the mountain just to the south (or to the left in this picture). At 12,804 it is a tough climb to make in a day--but that is how I have always summited the mountain.
I'll post more parts tomorrow
